San Francisco fans well-behaved after playoff win over New Orleans

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Football fans in San Francisco were exuberant but mostly well-behaved after Saturday's electrifying 36-32 playoff win over the New Orleans Saints.

Nineteen people were arrested on misdemeanor charges during and after Saturday's game at Candlestick Park, while one person was arrested on suspicion of selling counterfeit tickets, said San Francisco police Sgt. Michael Andraychak.

"The number of arrests were slightly higher for an average game," Andraychak said.

Most of the misdemeanor arrests were alcohol-related, while medical crews stationed at the stadium treated 38 people, mostly for drinking issues.

Police beefed up their presence for the sellout crowd of 69,732 by increasing the number of officers they usually have on duty for a football game by 25 percent, said Andraychak.

Plainclothes officers kept an eye out for people trying to sell counterfeit items, while officers on motorcycles patrolled the stadium's parking lot.

The parking lot was filled tailgaters before the game, but after the game, fans were not allowed to tailgate.

"If folks want to have a beer that aren't driving, that's fine, but there's no tailgating after the game," Police Chief Greg Suhr told reporters.

Later in the evening, the city's Mission district was busy with drivers honking their horns and fans celebrating on the sidewalks, but Andraychak said he was not aware of arrests or any other problems.

San Francisco Mayor San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee also enjoyed the victory, but had added reason to celebrate.

As part of a friendly wager with New Orleans Mayor Mitchell Landrieu over the outcome of the game, Lee will be getting fresh Louisiana seafood, a Sucre king cake and Abita beer, compliments of Landrieu.

Lee issued a statement congratulating the 49ers and wishing them luck as they proceed on to the NFC championship game for the first time since the 1997 season.

"San Francisco stands with you as you embark on your quest to Superbowl XLVI. Go Niners," the statement said.